I am already on oestrogen only HRT [hysterectomy years ago but still have ovaries]. I took ADs [citalopram] for four months earlier in the year but hated the effects of tiredness and flat mood.
I really feel that if I could get physically well, then the mental aspect would follow. But it's so chicken and egg, what came first, the anxiety or the physical problem??
I do yoga twice a week - love it and never miss it - it helps but I get anxious the minute I wake. Will ask doctor for suggestions.
I was experiencing that off and on recently because of all the stress I'm under.
The Dr suggested that I take a beta blocker (40mg) on waking. I've done that for the last 2 days. I think it's helping but I've been very tired today and one of the side effects is tiredness - altho' it says on the leaflet that this does go away.
I would go and see your Dr and see whether this is an option for you. My Dr told me that citalopram does work for anxiety but it takes 3 months to kick in for that - and so it's not appropriate for me at the moment.
Waking up with anxiety is horrid and it's hard to get on with the day when you experience that (least that's what I found).
I had a meno related breakdown in March - what I found was that my nervous system got more and more out of whack and I had constant anxiety before I crashed (having made a decision not to return to Canada as a result of a panic attack - a decision which I would never have made if I had been well). I then experienced a breakdown - depersonalisation, numbness and extreme fatigue and lost 13lb in a week (had trouble eating). I wouldn't wish that on anyone - I'm still recovering and it's now mid-July. Am better than I was but no where near where I used to be yet.
So, I would encourage you to seek medical help sooner rather than later. As well, if you have any relaxation CD's (I found Jon Kabat-Zinn's body scan meditation very helpful) - try doing it on a daily basis. It's very restorative.
And, like you, I've found yoga very helpful too.
Hugs xxxx